Christian Walker, 1B/3B, South Carolina

Walker is a testament to how impressive Bryce Harper is. The former actually outhomered the latter in a home run derby back in 2009, and yet three years later, Harper is in the big-leagues, while Walker is looking at a early-to-mid round selection.

After a stellar freshman campaign that saw him earn Freshman First-Team honors from Baseball America, Walker took up the offensive burden left when Jackie Bradley Jr. started the 2011 season terribly and then was lost with an injury for most of the season. Walker had an incredible offensive year, leading the Gamecocks with a .358 average, 64 runs, 21 doubles, ten home runs, 62 RBI and a .554 slugging percentage.

He turned up his play in the super-regionals, scoring three runs, driving in two, bashing one home run and playing stellar defense en route to a two-game sweep of UConn.

He carried over his momentum into the 2012 season, where he has once again established himself as the Gamecocks top offensive producer. He’s hitting .342 with nine doubles, eight homers, and a team-leading 43 RBI. In addition, he has drawn twice as many walks (32) as he has strikeouts (16).

In the field, he’s been superb, committing only three errors in 355 total chances.

Walker came to South Carolina after a sterling high-school career that culminated in a No. 1 individual ranking in the state of Pennsylvania his senior season and a 49th-round selection in the ’09 draft.

In addition to his light-tower power, he is also an incredible athlete. In addition to third base, he also played first and catcher in high-school. He was clocked in the low 80s off the mound at a few Perfect Game showcases and he has good enough range to handle either first or third as a pro.